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Although St. Lucia, a volcanic island, isn't known for its beaches, most of which are dark sand, Windjammer Landing's 1000-foot stretch of cafe au lait shore provides ample opportunities for fun.
Water-loving kids (and adults) swim out to Windjammer's floating trampoline for a bouncy respite before plunging in again to climb the ersatz rock wall that bobs invitingly nearby. Tweens, teens and twenty-somethings play water volleyball in the main pool and tots happily splash by the shore or in the kiddie pools. One is located by the main pool and another, along with a full size pool, fronts the Hibiscus Suites. Lifeguards do not patrol the pools, nor the beach.
My twenty-something daughter Alissa and I join an impromptu game of Frisbee tag in the water. Afterwards, Alissa and her older brother cheer each other on at waterskiing for nearly two hours. I remain smiling with my hands off my wallet because waterskiing -- all you want waterskiing -- is free with the all-inclusive package, an option that's worth considering with active teenagers and adult children.
Palm trees and thatched roof palapas provide patches of shade on the sand. Since my daughter and I burn easily, we wish for beach umbrellas to create wider areas to block out the sun. The resort, however, does not currently offer beach umbrellas.
The complimentary Jacquot Fun Club, named for the colorful St. Lucian parrot, operates daily, year-round program for ages 4 to 12 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Overseen by enthusiastic supervisor Gale Charles, the program combines outdoor play, crafts and local culture. Lunch with the counselors is an option.
The child to counselor ratio is kept to 5:1. At busy times, counselors separate the kids into groups for ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 12. Unless many 11- and 12-year-olds sign-up, the Jacquot Fun Club because of the age breakdowns is likely to be best for ages 4 to 10. With many teens in-house, the resort hosts teen only activities such as beach volleyball and kayaking and the resort opens a teen room.
At the Fun Club kids engage in nature hikes, shell hunts, bottle fishing, coconut bowling, face painting, boat rides, cooking with the chef and pool swimming. Youngsters learn some local patois and also master Limbo and Reggae dance moves. Themed evening activities include pajama night with popcorn, pirate night, disco night and pizza night.
In addition, sometimes Gale and the counselors take the group off-property to visit a nearby mini-zoo, go on a treasure hunt in the ruins of the historic fort at Pigeon Island or take a jeep safari to a waterfall.
The Club House, the Jacquot Fun Club Center, is a white, island-style wooden cottage prettily trimmed with blue. Colorful murals of the Pitons, palm trees, bamboo patches and geckos decorate the air conditioned playroom that's stocked with puzzles, crafts and board games. In the Club House's gated front yard sand cushions the kids' swings and climbing equipment.
Family-Friendly Activities
Windjammer Landing's family-friendly attitude extends to activities, many of which are complimentary including snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. Lessons are available for a nominal fee. Also, families can play beach soccer, try dance aerobics, loosen up at the oceanfront stretch classes, or show-up at any of the other complimentary activities scheduled daily. At the Tuesday night manager's cocktail party, enjoy a Limbo dancer and local music.
Our favorite on-property evening: the Friday night beach barbeque. Like most such events, this one comes with a backdrop of lapping surf and starry skies plus the relaxed atmosphere of toes-in- the- sand dining. Unlike most such events we've experienced, this one stands out for its really good food. All of us overeat, sampling the grilled mahi mahi steak and lamb kebabs, shrimp skewers, chicken as well as plantains, beans, rice and garlic pumpkin.
After dinner, we take in some island culture by grabbing a taxi to Gros Islet, 15 minutes away. For more than 30-years the workaday town has been hosting a Friday night "Jump up" block party. Locals grill chicken and pork ribs at makeshift stalls. On the outdoor stage a deejay pulses hip hop, rock and reggae music until about 11 p.m. when a live band rocks the thickening crowd, often a mix of more tourists than locals. A mother dances with her 10 year-old son, four sisters from Toronto shake it up and we join the dancers too.
It's an interesting night, especially if you have teenagers and college students in your group. Just keep an eye on them, reminding them not to buy or drink anything they shouldn't.
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